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I've been thinking a lot lately about the way my friendships have just sort of vanished. I was never one to hang out in big groups even as a kid, but now it feels like I really only like to be around people online. I'm very uncomfortable if there is more than one person to hang out with too. I used to do like group chats or whatever but now I can't deal with more than one at a time. I don't know if it's an aging thing or what. What are your thoughts on that. Is it healthy to just want to be arou

It's completely okay to feel this way. People's social preferences can change over time, and what you're experiencing isn't unusual. Enjoying one-on-one interactions isn't inherently unhealthy; in fact, it can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections. It's important to honor your feelings and preferences when it comes to socializing. If you find more value and comfort in individual interactions, that's perfectly valid. Remember, the quality of your friendships is far more significant than the

That's good to know, but aren't people supposed to be more social in groups? I know I get along with people on a one on one basis, but even those people are too overwhelming if more than one of them is around me at the same time. It's like different personalities don't clash exactly but they seem to ramp up and it's just annoying to me. I'm not sure how healthy that is

It's a common belief that being social means thriving in groups, but the reality is that social preferences are deeply personal and vary greatly from one person to another. It's perfectly normal for some people to prefer one-on-one interactions over group settings. These preferences can be influenced by a variety of factors, including personality traits, past experiences, and even current life circumstances. If you find that the dynamics of group interactions are overwhelming or annoying, it co

I feel like I'm a little possessive of the friendships I do have so when a person that I've basically had to myself ends up with me in a situation with another person that I've also hung out with and had to myself, I'm really uncomfortable and end up too worried about what they think of each other or if they will think less of me when they talk to each other or something. Is there a way I can just stop and enjoy both people then?

Feeling possessive of close friendships is a natural, if sometimes challenging, emotion. It stems from the fear of change in those relationships or the worry about how dynamics might shift when more people are involved. Your concerns about what they might think of each other or you are understandable, but it's also important to recognize that these worries often come from our own insecurities rather than the reality of our friendships. To find more enjoyment in situations with multiple friends,

Wow that's a big list of things and kind of overwhelming. I mean the ideas you shared are pretty logical I guess. I'm not sure I'd want to be communicating like oh you might like the other friend better than me to someone. I mean if I'm already uncomfortable, I can't seem me actually saying things like that and feeling even more uncomfortable.

I understand how that can feel overwhelming and how voicing those concerns might make you feel more vulnerable. It's okay to take smaller steps and approach this at your own pace. You don't have to tackle everything at once or step way outside your comfort zone immediately. Maybe start with something that feels a bit more manageable, like focusing on the positives during these interactions or practicing being present in the moment. It's about finding balance and gradually easing into a space w

Well, thank you for your thoughts. I think probably I will just stick to one friend at a time and try to live in the moment and not worry about all the dynamics. I already avoid parties so as long as it's not a bad thing, one on one is fine for me.

That sounds like a solid plan. Sticking to one-on-one interactions, especially if that's where you feel most comfortable and fulfilled, is absolutely fine. Living in the moment and focusing on the individual connections you have can lead to very meaningful and deep friendships. It's important to do what feels right for you and allows you to be the most authentic version of yourself. Each person's social needs and preferences are unique, and embracing yours can contribute positively to your overa